2016 Ford Transit 2.0L Diesel · EG16 CGU

Recurring issues with drive shaft constant velocity boots represent the most consistent mechanical trend for this vehicle, appearing in multiple tests including the most recent pass on 06 July 2026. While the vehicle has successfully passed its inspections since 2020, the repeated deterioration of both offside front and nearside rear CV boots indicates a pattern of wear in the drivetrain components. The 2023 failure involving a dangerous structural bulge in the offside rear tyre highlights a previous instance of significant tyre degradation, though the subsequent two years of testing showed no recorded defects until the recent CV boot and registration plate lamp advisories. The recorded mileage of 130,724 miles against a 2016 registration indicates a high-usage profile, averaging approximately 13,072 miles per year. For a commercial vehicle of this age, this level of accumulation suggests consistent operational use rather than long periods of inactivity. Mechanically, this sustained mileage increases the likelihood of accelerated wear on consumable components such as suspension bushes, brake discs, and drivetrain seals. The frequency of the CV boot advisories is consistent with this higher annual mileage, as the rubber bellows are subject to constant flexing and environmental exposure during regular transit. Prospective buyers should pay close attention to the drivetrain during a test drive to ensure the recent CV boot advisories have been addressed with more than just superficial fixes. Listen for rhythmic clicking or popping sounds when turning the steering wheel at low speeds, which can indicate that grease has escaped the joints and internal damage has commenced. Additionally, any shuddering or vibration through the floorboards or steering wheel under acceleration may suggest that the deterioration noted in the 2022 and 2026 tests has progressed to the internal joints themselves. Beyond the drivetrain, the history of windscreen damage and tyre structural failures suggests that the vehicle has been subject to typical heavy-duty wear. While the most recent test was a pass, the presence of multiple minor defects regarding the drive shaft boots requires verification that these components have been replaced rather than merely cleaned. A thorough inspection of the tyre sidewalls for any signs of bulging or impact damage is also advised, given the previous dangerous failure recorded in June 2023.